Former Sudanese Slave Will Speak at Free Your Mind Week at SUNY Rockland Community College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: October 5, 2007

CONTACT: Lisa Saunders

(845) 574-4244

Former Sudanese Slave Will Speak at Free Your Mind Week at SUNY Rockland Community College

Suffern, NY - A former slave from the Sudan, a filmmaker, a poet, and a magician will be the guest speakers during Free Your Mind Week at SUNY Rockland Community College.

The theme of Free Your Mind Week is "Appearances Can Be Deceiving." The program is co-sponsored by the RCC Student Activities Board, Rockland Family Shelter and the STOP F.E.A.R Coalition DELTA Project and funded by RCC Student Activities Fees. Presentations will run from Monday, October 29 - Thursday, November 1. All activities are free and open to the public, but tickets are required.

Monday, October 29, 12:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Theater

Byron Hurt, award winning documentary filmmaker will show his movie, "Beyond Beats and Rhymes." This film about the hip-hop culture, challenges the idea that a man must be violent, sexist or homophobic. Hurt will follow the film with questions and answers.

Tuesday, October 30, 7:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Theater

Bridget Gray, poet, will recite her provocative poetry that challenges stereotypes and rigid thinking. She is known as a trailblazer on the spoken word scene.

Wednesday, October 31, 1:00 p.m.

Cultural Arts Theater Francis Bok, a former slave from Sudan, is said to be the first freed slave to meet with an American President since the 19th century. The title of the talk is "21st Century Slavery: Living Proof."

Thursday, November 1, 12:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Center Theater

Michael C. Anthony, hypnotist and magician will demonstrate that things aren’t as they appear! You will laugh until it hurts.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. "Imagine a County…Where Everyone Works to End Domestic Violence."

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Please, contact John Marra, Coordinator, Student Activities, 845-574-4302, jmarra@sunyrockland.edu.

###

Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.